A Look at Contested Divorces in Sheboygan County
This article contains a story that is meant to educate readers on common issues and legal topics handled by Sheboygan contested divorce lawyers and should not be taken as fact. Details including names, characters, businesses, incidents, and court proceedings are fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal representation, contact an attorney.
Jane Smith was a 43-year-old elementary school teacher living in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She owned a home with her husband of 15 years, and together they had two children, ages 8 and 12.
Jane had begun feeling unhappy in her marriage over the past few years. She and her husband grew apart, developed different interests, and no longer connected emotionally. They tried marriage counseling and weekend getaways, but nothing seemed to rekindle the spark they once had.
After a particularly bad argument one night, Jane's husband confessed he wanted a divorce. This came as a shock to Jane, who still held out hope they could make it work. But her husband's mind was made up. He moved forward with contacting an attorney and initiating divorce proceedings.
Jane was devastated. She loved her home, her community, and the life she had built with her husband. On top of that, she was terrified of how a divorce would impact their children. When her husband made it clear he wanted to fight for full custody, Jane realized she needed legal representation of her own.
That's when she contacted Sterling Lawyers and set up a consultation with Attorney Michelle Gordon. During their first meeting, Michelle listened carefully while Jane explained her situation. Jane broke down describing how her world had been turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Michelle offered Jane compassion and a shoulder to lean on.
Michelle explained that Jane's husband had filed for a contested divorce, meaning there were issues they did not agree on, like child custody and division of assets. Michelle let Jane know that under Wisconsin law, everything acquired during a marriage is considered marital property, from houses and cars to retirement accounts and personal possessions. Since Jane's husband wanted full custody of the children, child custody needed to be negotiated as well.
Michelle emphasized that a contested divorce can be a long, difficult road without legal guidance. But with the right attorney, Jane would have an advocate fighting for a fair settlement on her behalf.
Over the next several weeks, Michelle helped Jane navigate the complex local court system in Sheboygan County. To file for divorce, there was extensive paperwork to complete, deadlines to meet, and procedures to follow. Michelle assisted with all the bureaucratic details, as well as gathering financial records and documenting all assets accumulated during the marriage.
She also explained Wisconsin's rules and guidelines for determining child custody arrangements. Michelle put together a strong case for why it would be in the children's best interest for Jane to have primary placement. This included evidence of Jane being their main caregiver, voluntary involvement at school, and a more flexible work schedule than her husband.
When they had their first hearing in front of the court commissioner, Michelle professionally presented Jane's side of the story. She explained the emotional toll the divorce was taking on Jane and the children. The commissioner ruled in their favor, granting Jane temporary primary custody until the full trial.
Michelle also negotiated firmly during mediation sessions with Jane's husband and his lawyer. She pushed back on unreasonable demands, while finding areas where compromise could be reached. In the end, they agreed Jane would keep the house and have primary custody, with visitation rights for her husband.
Throughout the 18-month contested divorce, Michelle was a tireless ally. She listened compassionately while also providing sound legal counsel. Michelle knew all the intricacies of local family court and helped Jane avoid getting tripped up. Her knowledge of state divorce laws and dedication to the case resulted in a fair settlement.
Going through a contested divorce without representation can be extremely difficult in Sheboygan County's judicial system. The process involves officiating forms, filing motions, attending multiple hearings, navigating legal terminology, and understanding arcane local rules and deadlines. An experienced attorney guides clients through, allowing them to focus on self-care and their families.
The stakes are simply too high to go it alone during a contested divorce. Property division, child custody, financial support, and other critical matters will impact clients for years to come. An attorney can advocate for a client's interests, protect their rights, and ensure the best possible outcome.
If you or someone you know is facing a contested divorce in Sheboygan County, please reach out to Sterling Lawyers. Their team of compassionate attorneys will stand by you during this challenging time. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how they can help. With an attorney like Michelle Gordon on your side, you don't have to go through a contested divorce alone.
This article contains a story that is meant to educate readers on common issues and legal topics handled by attorneys. Details including names, characters, businesses, incidents, and court proceedings are fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal representation, contact an attorney in your area.